Domino excessive vibration?

[harpfish]

I looked for this topic and found some suggestions that hooking up a vacuum system while using the domino helps to reduce or eliminate vibration, I haven't done that not having the right connections, so I don't know how much difference that makes, but I've owned my domino for over 6 months and only used it a few times as it messes up my project every time.

I've used biscuit joiners, and in my experience they work well as hand held tools, plenty stable and predictable, I expected this from the domino, but learned early on this wasn't the case. When using it, it regularly cuts wider mortises than it should just from the tool itself shaking, I've started building temporary jigs or clamping it down just to hold it while cutting. I'm not ramming it into the wood really fast, I'm cutting slow, but on my last project even with my weight on it, it would vibrate so much on each cut it was shaking the width dial into different settings. I'm using a new bit, the standard 5mm that comes with the new domino tool, it shouldn't be dull.

I want to love this tool, but honestly I've had bad experiences since day one. Is it user error, any suggestions for how I'm suppose to use it? Does it have to be hooked up to a vaccum system for proper use? I've never sent it back to Festool because how can a tool the is suppose to oscillate be accused of too much vibration, technically it works, it cuts mortises, sloppy mortises, but I just don't know if I'm using it wrongly or if this really isn't normal for the tool. Any thoughts? Many thanks.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG!

Wish it were better circumstances.

I suggest you take advantage of the free warranteed two way shipping and send it to Festool Service. Give then a call they are very helpful and fast on turn arounds. 

The vac does make a big difference on the Domino because the chips really need to be cleared from the mortise  so that they do not interfere with the cutter. But it does sound like yours is vibrating excessively.

Service # in my sig line and on the tool label.

Seth

 

[peter halle]

First, welcome to the FOG!

The Domino is definitely designed to require dust collection so that those chips exit.  Because the suction required is high, if you don't have an adjustable suction vac you can use a regular shop vac if you get a hose to match up.

Peter

 

[Alan m]

welcome to the fog
i would start by running  some kind of shop vac . the domino will only work when the chips are extracted
if that doesnt help then there is probably something wrong. if it is changing width setting from the vibrations then something serious is going on.
it sounds like you are holding the domino tightly and slowly cutting. most people find the best grip is to put most of the force ontot eh fence handle and just support the other end as you gently push  to plunge

 

[harpfish]

Wow you guys are fast, super thanks. Sounds like I do need to get an adapter for my vac regardless and I'll give Festool a call as well. thank you all.

 

[semenza]

Wow you guys are fast, super thanks. Sounds like I do need to get an adapter for my vac regardless and I'll give Festool a call as well. thank you all.

Yeah, even if you just rig up something to attach a hose for testing , that way you will know. But the setting changing while this is going on makes me think there is more to it.

Seth

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

As was already stated, allow me to make it official... The Domino requires dust collection. Otherwise, chips clog the mortise and have nowhere to go. I believe using it with dust collection, of some form, will yield the results you're looking for.

 

[joiner1970]

You do get a bit of wobble well I have on mine anyway. I just took it that that's normal as its waggling from side to side. Mines not as bad as the OP's though

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm not ramming it into the wood really fast, I'm cutting slow, but on my last project even with my weight on it, it would vibrate so much on each cut it was shaking the width dial into different settings. I'm using a new bit, the standard 5mm that comes with the new domino tool, it shouldn't be dull.

If you're basing your technique for plunging on what you normally do with a biscuit joiner, you're likely to get the results you report.  They work very differently.  Listen to the motor when you're plunging the Domino.  You should use a plunge rate that does not cause the motor to slow significantly as you plunge it.  Also, hold the tool by the end by grasping the power cord connector, not the barrel.  This will help you plunge straighter and give you better stability.  All of these will get you tighter mortises. 

 

[greg mann]

Did anyone mention the need for a vacuum?  [dead horse]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Did anyone mention the need for a vacuum?  [dead horse]

Make sure you're using a dust extractor.  [big grin]

 

[harpfish]

Thank you all, I will rig up a system to do dust collection and the tips for holding and using it are welcome, I will try those as well.

 

[andyman]

My XL was delivered Tuesday & I have no issues with loose dominos or vibration,  hooked it up to my Bosch vac, l have to say it is a real piece of engineering,  I have made a few frames with it already (& a few mistakes) but it is an awesome tool. everyone who has seen it is impressed [big grin]